Tomatoes can reduce Cholesterol - Effectively

Tomato has long been recognized as a complement to a variety of delicious dishes. Not just a flavor enhancer, the fruit is often processed into pasta and pizza toppings also has important benefits for health.

Recent studies prove, that has been processed tomato intake regularly can cut cholesterol levels. Scientists say, ripe tomatoes have the same efficacy with statins, drugs commonly used chemicals to lower cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Tomatoes can be a source alternative to overcome the conditions that can lead to heart problems. Eating two ounces of tomato paste or a pint of tomato juice a day to function as controller of cholesterol patients.

The secret lies in the level of lycopene compound that gives red color in tomatoes. This compound contains high antioxidants that help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

To obtain the best benefits, eat tomatoes that have been cooked. The body will absorb the lycopene in cooked tomatoes are better than raw tomatoes.

Australian experts analyzed results from 14 international studies on the benefits of lycopene for 55 years. They conclude, tomatoes could provide a natural defense to reduce 'bad cholesterol' in the blood. The effect is comparable with small doses of statins.

According to study authors, Dr Karin Ried, from The University of Adelaide, a pint of tomato juice or tomato paste 50 grams a day 'will provide protection against heart disease'.

"I recommend the tomato paste. Food is rich in lycopene and very easily obtained in everyday foods like pasta and juices."

The study, published in the journal Maturity also mention other sources of lycopene. Lycopene is found in watermelon, guava, papaya, orange, apricot and rosehip but in lower concentrations. VIVAnews

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Tomatoes can strengthen bones

This is a good way to make bones stronger so that we will avoid the risk of osteoporosis, ie drink tomato juice every day.

Lycopene, the antioxidant content in tomato fruit, believed to be the experts as the cause bones to grow stronger. Previously known lycopene beneficial to prevent prostate cancer in men and also prevent heart disease.

In a study conducted in Canada, the experts asked for 60 people or post-menopausal women around the age of 50-60 years to stop the consumption of tomato products from the daily menu for a month.

Apparently it does increase levels of N-telopeptide in the blood, which is a chemical that is released the body in the blood when there is a broken bone.

Then, during four months of study respondents were given tomato juice containing 15 mg of lycopene per day, as well as plus 35 mg capsule of lycopene. As a control group is respondents who received a placebo capsule.

The result is N-telopeptide levels in women who drank tomato juice or lycopene capsules dropped dramatically. But the benefits were not obtained by women who consumed a placebo capsule.

As a precaution, experts recommend the consumption of two glasses of tomato juice every day. Results were published in the journal Osteoporosis International.

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